Category Archives: Events

Hey everyone… Need some new bindings? A new jacket? A new backpack? Maybe you don’t need anything, but we bet you’d be able to find a way to spend $300 at the Outdoor Gear Exchange!

Well, we are giving away a $300 gift certificate and all you have to do to win is enter using the raffle window above. On Monday, February 27th we will identify one lucky winner and they will get to go hog wild in the gearapalooza that is OGE!

BONUS OFFER: Because playing outside is always better when shared with friends, we will be giving away an additional $100 gift certificate to a person selected by our primary contest winner. When entering the contest just tag and share with a friend you think could use an extra $100 in gear! Then plan a sweet trip and go have an adventure!

Good Luck… and special thanks to the Outdoor Gear Exchange for making this contest possible.

The weather dealt us a tough hand, but we made it through and had a ton of fun doing it!

A special thanks goes out to our instructors! They carry the burden of managing the conditions and making sure that all of our participants are getting the attention they deserve. Every year they do an amazing job, and yesterday was no exception. This event is about learning and having fun, and it truly would not be possible without our incredible instructor team.

If you’re not familiar with the Ladies Nordic Ski Expo, it’s an all women’s event focused on nordic and backcountry skiing skill development. If you’re just starting out you can try out skate, classic, or backcountry skiing under the supervision of some of Vermont’s finest female instructors. If you’ve been doing this for a while, we’ll work with you to help you refine and improve your technique so that you’re ready for your next race or tour.

All our wonderful ladies! Such a great group of people. The participants came ready to learn with positive attitudes, and the instructors had their techniques dialed and came packing good vibes! Such a great day!

Participants start off in large groups separated by discipline… Skate/Classic/Backcountry. Then after some discussion with their instructors and other students they are broken out into smaller learning groups. In our course descriptions we are purposefully vague about what is going to be taught so that our instructors have the freedom to work with their students and focus on exactly the skills they are hoping to improve. It’s a system that leans heavily on the instructors to be able to effective teach to a wide range of people, but our team is second to none and they always knock it out of the park.

Despite the warm spell that preceded our event there was snow. It was pretty firm and even treacherous in some places, but if you knew where to look it as A-OK. Again, we need to give some major props to both our students and our instructors for rolling with the punches and making the most of the hand we were dealt. The conditions challenged everyone, but by the end of the day everyone was looking quite confident. Imagine when there is good snow… Everyone will feel like heroes!

Hello Everyone… The Catamount Trail Association has partnered up with Acadia Mountain Guides to help keep you safe this winter, and we’re giving away a 3-day long AIARE Level 1 Avy Course in the White Mountains! There are multiple ways to earn entries, and all you have to do is follow the directions above.

The contest will run for 2 weeks, and we will choose a winner on Monday, December 19th!

Be sure to check out their other courses as well, as they are also offering a special rate for anyone signing up for a course with a friend or friends!

When you book 2 (or more) spots on an AIARE Level 1 course everyone will save 15% off of the regular course rate. You shouldn’t ski in avalanche terrain by yourself… So why would you go solo when learning skills that are used to keep your whole group safe!

Here are the details…

Both students need to register on the same day in the same course

Students should reference the Catamount 15% off discount & the other person’s name they are booking with

Acadia Mountain Guide AIARE students receive 20% off at the AMC for dinner lodging breakfast packages. During the course simply reference Acadia Mountain Guides at the time of booking your lodging

All Acadia Mountain Guide AIARE clients receive 20% off through 4/1/17 at www.AlpenglowGear.com using a promo code provided upon registration, then 15% off for LIFE on all future online or in store (Orono or Bar Harbor) purchases

Green Mountains, VT – On Thursday, Nov. 3rd at 6pm, the doors will open at the Pierce Hall Community Center in Rochester, VT, for the 4th Annual Vermont Backcountry Forum & Celebration, co-hosted by the Catamount Trail Association (CTA), its VT Backcountry Alliance (VTBC) program, and the Rochester-Randolph Area Sports Trail Alliance (RASTA), a chapter of the CTA. In its fourth year, the event is a fun opportunity for Vermont’s growing community of backcountry skiers and riders to connect and learn about backcountry projects and programs around the state, and celebrate the coming winter season.

“From the evolution of community-supported backcountry zones around the state to the recent launch of the new VT Huts Association (VHA), Vermont’s backcountry community is building real momentum,” says Brian Mohr, a member of the CTA’s Backountry Committee. “Also, with the ongoing conservation of valuable mountain lands around the state, we are excited to collaborate around growing opportunities for human powered recreation throughout our beautiful landscape.”

The forum, presented by partners Voile and Outdoor Research, is free and open to the public. It will feature a community potluck, brief updates from groups like RASTA, Ascutney Trails, Northeast Kingdom BC Coalition and VT Huts Association, a big fundraising raffle, including a pair of custom made Parlor Skis, and more. Doors open at 6pm with the potluck, a social hour, cash bar and raffle ticket sales kicking things off. Proceeds from the event will directly support backcountry projects and programs in Vermont that are guided by the CTA/VTBC and RASTA.

This past summer, much progress was made on RASTA’s new Brandon Gap Backcountry Zone, which includes over one dozen downhill backcountry lines being developed and managed in partnership with the Green Mountain National Forest Service (GMNF), CTA/VTBC and the Green Mountain Club (GMC). A team of researchers from Dartmouth College have also begun monitoring related impacts on flora and fauna near Brandon Gap in order to better inform public land managers as backcountry skiing and riding grows in popularity. RASTA continue to make progress glading in the Braintree Mountain Forest bc zone, too, including the renovation of the Bell Gates Cabin.

“It’s exciting to see communities like Rochester and Randolph, as well as our public lands managers, embracing the evolution of backcountry skiing and riding,” says Angus McCusker, founding member of RASTA. “And none of this would be possible without tremendous volunteer energy and very generous landowners.”

CTA/VTBC is also working closely with the State of Vermont to help update land management strategies to better accommodate backcountry skiing and snowboarding on Vermont state lands near Lake Willoughby, Camel’s Hump and Mt. Mansfield, among other areas. This coming season, the groups will be promoting its Vermont Backcountry Ethics, as well as distributing a new Vermont Backcountry Handbook, which will give people the tools they need to pursue backcountry projects locally.

“There is no question backcountry skiers and riders are now more vertically-oriented than ever,” says Amy Kelsey, the CTA’s Executive Director, reflecting on the CTA’s nordic skiing roots. “More than ever, we view the Catamount Trail as the backbone, or gateway, to Vermont’s backcountry, rather than solely an end-to-end corridor.”

Supportive backcountry skiers and riders are encouraged to join or donate to the CTA/VTBC and RASTA. For more info, please visit catamounttrail.org and rastavt.org.

For the last 4 years, Eric Gildemeister, Missisquoi Valley Union High School Social Studies teacher and National Honor Society advisor, has recruited a few of his co-workers and 20+ students to spend a fall day clearing Section 31 of the Catamount Trail. The students load the bus early to get to Jay, and then spend the day improving the Catamount Trail for the winter ahead. A different group of seniors each year, the crew always seems to relish the time together, the time outside, and of course, the time out of the classroom! Ongoing relationships like this one, with high school, college, and corporate groups are of enormous benefit to the CTA. And we think our partners would agree they are valuable experiences for their students and employees as well. Thank you MVU, for your commitment to service and your dedication to Catamount Trail Section 31.

If you have a student group or team of colleagues that would like to join us for a day of service on the trail, call or email to learn more.

Thick clouds, temps in the low 60s, and a few drops of rain gave way to a sunny summit for participants in this year’s North Face Race to the Top of Vermont. Nearly 700 competitors challenged themselves to hike, bike, or run 4.3 miles and 2564 feet to the top of the Mt. Mansfield Toll Road. Presented by The North Face Store at KL Mountainshop, this year’s event was the 9th annual Race to the Top to benefit the Catamount Trail Association.

The Jim Fredericks Award (named in honor of the race’s founder) is presented each year to the fastest man and woman, regardless of discipline. Amanda Marino from Bradley Beach, NJ took top honors with ease in 41.38.9, finishing the run over four minutes ahead of her competition. For the men, two familiar Race to the Top faces did battle for the fastest time, with runner Josh Ferenc of Athens, VT taking the prize in 35:47, just 10 seconds faster than Montpelier resident Kip Roberts (35:57) who competed this year on a single speed gravel grinder.

On the run side, 2nd in the women’s category went to local Stowe resident Sara Graves (46.00) with Carmen Bango (46.04) of Woodstock, VT just 4 seconds behind. South Hero resident Turner Zamore (36.05) took 2nd place in the men’s run, followed by 17 year-old Atticus Stonestrom (38:12) of Exeter, NH.

Vermonters dominated the cycling field with long time Race To the Top competitors Heather Voisin (45.47), Marilyn Ruseckas (48.16), and Rachel Cohen (49.40) taking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively for the women. Ethan Self (36.20) placed second, less than 30 seconds behind first place finisher Kip Robert, and Robert Allaway took 3rd place for the men in 39.18.

Having decided running or biking to the top of the Mt Mansfield Toll Road wasn’t a sufficient workout, a few brave souls decided they’d do both, and complete “The Double”. After his winning run, Josh Ferenc made the return trip down the toll road to the start line to compete as a cyclist. He completed his 8.6 mile run, 4.3 mile bike, and 5128 feet of climbing in a blistering time of 1:45:28.

This event would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors, our adventure ready participants, and our willing, capable, happy, and tirelessly helpful volunteers. Thank you all for making the 9th Annual Race to the Top of Vermont a great success!

Our 6th and final Race to the top of Vermont Spotlight is on Amy Bruce. Growing up in Underhill, VT, Amy pretty much had Mt. Mansfield in her back yard. She shares with the CTA her inspiration and motivation for running in the RTTTOVT for the 4th time this year, as well as some insight beyond her years.

My name is Amy Bruce and this will be my 4th year participating in the Race to the Top of Vermont. I’m a sophomore at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, but this summer I’m in Vermont working and training in my hometown of Underhill. I’m a member of Colby’s Division 1 Nordic Ski Team, so there’s plenty of training to be done for that, but Race to the Top is definitely one of the events that I look forward to the most in terms of training for skiing.

Four years ago, I decided to run the Race to the Top of Vermont. My ski coach at the time, Jim Fredericks, was the Executive Director of the Catamount Trail, and strongly encouraged me to run the race. He told me that if I wanted to be tough enough to race Nordic at a highly competitive level, Race to the Top would definitely toughen me up to my competitors. At the time, I certainly didn’t like the idea of running up the tallest mountain in the area. However, somehow I got myself up there to run it and it was actually super rewarding knowing I’d raced my way up, enough so that I’m back for my 4th official race.

Mansfield Nordic Club, 2014

As a competitive nordic ski racer, a lot of my training is done over the summer. Since I can’t ski on snow the whole year in Vermont (darn), I’m often running for training. Training for the Race to the Top more than complemented my needs for high-intensity aerobic training for skiing, and the two actually meshed very smoothly. I train six days a week, and I’ll often run 3-4 of those days. The other days of the week will be rollerskiing (Google it if you’ve never heard of it before!), biking, kayaking, or other cross-training. In preparation for the race, once a week, I run a course that’s similar to the race. My favorite course is running from the bottom of Mountain Road in Underhill, past the ranger station at the Underhill State Park trailhead for Mount Mansfield, and continuing up the CCC road until the gravel ends at the Halfway House Trail. It’s a similar distance to the race, but the ascent is significantly less vertical. I like that course because I can force myself to keep running the whole time, just like I want to when it counts in the race. I usually also make it to Stowe to run the race course once or twice a summer to get some training in there. I’m always impressed by how long it takes to come back down, because it shows just how far you have to go up!

One of my favorite parts of running the race is how supportive the community is. Everyone running or biking knows how hard the race is. Everyone’s suffering just the same. I remember getting near the last few turns of the Toll Road the first year I did it, and I was starting to get a little disappointed in the number of people who had finished the race, making their way down to the bottom before I had even finished yet. But these people were so excited to help people finish the race! I had a few friends walking down at that point and I could literally feel my energy pick up as they cheered for me. I’d also get many people I didn’t even know congratulate me and tell me to “keep running, you’re right there!”. It was awesome. There are few races where you can feel that accomplished at the finish, especially with the company of others who just overcame the same thing you just did. Because, yes, time does matter somewhat, but what it comes down to is that everyone has the same goal: to push their limits and make it to the top.

As for gear, I’m going to wear my rather beat-up Saucony running shoes. They’re old, but they’re broken in and save me from the fear of blisters. I have a Suunto Ambit3 heart rate watch that I wear both training and racing. It’s really nice because I can connect it with my phone after I run to check my elevation and my heart rate over time, which is fun to look back on afterwards, especially after running up a mountain. Knowing my heart rate while I run the race also helps me from going too hard in the beginning, so any heart rate monitor in general is a great tool to have.

Through my racing experience both in this race and in skiing, I’ve constantly worried about whether people would be disappointed in me if I were to do badly in the race, or if I couldn’t finish it. One of my main fears before my first Race to the Top was that people would look down on me if I got a bad time. The truth is, it doesn’t matter as much as you think. What I’ve learned is, the race comes down to what’s important for you. There’s very little at stake when you step up to the start line, except for the possibility you might not meet up to your own expectations. People will already be impressed when you’ve said you’ve raced the Race to the Top of Vermont before. That’s a cool thing to have accomplished. And a fast time to go along with the fact you made it all the way up the mountain? That’s icing on the cake.

Every August the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont draws as many as 800 hikers, bikers, and runners from across the U.S. and Canada to climb Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The course climbs up the historic Mansfield Toll Road, is 4.3 miles in length, and climbs 2564 ft. For some it’s all about trying to achieve a fast time up this tough 4.3 mile course. For others… they come to test themselves, and to enjoy the spectacular views.

No matter why you came, for everyone the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont is about supporting the Catamount Trail Association and all of the good work they do. This event is their largest fundraising event of the year. So, while you’re out there challenging yourself, know that 100% of the money raised at this event goes to support the Catamount Trail and backcountry skiing and riding here in Vermont!

This week’s Race to the top of Vermont Spotlight is on Everybody Wins! Vermont. Everybody Wins! Vermont has had a team at every single RTTTOVT event; how many others can make that claim? Not only that, the organization has a dedicated mission to help improve the lives of Vermont youth throughout the state. Everybody Wins! was started in 2000 with the support of Senator Jim Jeffords, to help children who are struggling with reading and school have a better chance at a good life. Caring mentors are friends who read books, talk about life, and play games over lunch, creating an opportunity unique from the time spent with a tutor or teacher. It is the largest mentoring organization in the state, with sites in 24 elementary schools in 8 counties, and over 600 mentors reading with children every year.

We recently got a chance to catch up with Beth Wallace, executive director at Everybody Wins! Vermont to learn more about this amazing program and what motivates them to participate in the race every year.

CTA: How many years have you had a team participate in RTTOVT?BW: There has been a team from Everybody Wins! Vermont at the Race every year since the beginning. The tradition was started by director Amy Cunningham and board president Beth Fastiggi, who have both completed the Race every year. The group changes from year to year–mentors, friends, board members, staff have all been involved. This year we’re starting a new tradition, encouraging mentors to complete the RTTTOVT to benefit their school Everybody Wins! site. In the long run, we hope to have someone hiking or racing to support their Everybody Wins! site from each of the 24 communities.

CTA: What is it about the race to the top that draws a team back year after year?BW: It’s a lot of fun for our supporters who hike or run. There’s all the excitement of getting your packet and t-shirt, the event itself on a gorgeous mountain with support all along the way, the barbecue, the raffle! It’s a great day and a blast to be part of. I haven’t been able to hike it because of a knee injury but even being part of the support team and being on top to welcome folks is a kick.

For Everybody Wins! Vermont as an organization, it’s wonderful to be involved in a big event that we don’t have to organize. We just don’t have the reach or the capacity to put on an event this size. And because we don’t have to manage the event itself or the logistics or the sponsors–all the things the Catamount Trail Association does so well–we can focus on our team and fundraising. It’s also great exposure for us, and we hope for the Catamount Trail Association too–we publicize it through all our channels as part of our campaign and we hope that both organizations reach an audience that otherwise might not know about them. We are really happy to be able to support the Catamount Trail Association while raising funds and awareness for Everybody Wins! Vermont.

Part of the 2015 team at the summit of Mt. Mansfield

CTA: What has been your most memorable moment from the RTTTOVT?BW: Seeing our team members come up around that last corner. It’s an accomplishment and I’m so proud of them. And I love being on top of the mountain–I worked for the Green Mountain Club in my 20s so those few minutes on top before everyone starts to pour in are precious.

CTA: Does the team have any goals for the race, either in terms of numbers, fundraising effort, or for the day of the race?BW: Eventually, we’d like to have someone from every Everybody Wins! Vermont site participating, which would mean a pretty big team, 25-30 people. Our fundraising goal for this year is $5000. Last year we more than doubled the year before, and raised over $3000. We hope that will increase every year as we are able to involve more and more people. The most important goal is for everyone who comes to support Everybody Wins! Vermont to have a good race or hike!

CTA: What is your best “life” advice?BW: I don’t feel qualified to give anyone advice, but the older I get the more it seems to me that kindness and humility are key–even or maybe especially in an atmosphere of competition or high standards. Doing your absolute best, no holds barred, AND taking care of one another–that is a magical combination.

CTA: Any other tidbits about Everybody Wins?BW: Having an adult come to school every week to spend time with you and read together is a big, big deal for a child. Joe Doud, general manager of the Vermont Lake Monsters, a former mentor and a board member, said to me once, “All I have to do is walk in the door every week for him to think I’m a superhero.” That’s pretty nice for mentors, who have a refreshing break with a child in the middle of their workday or their errands, and can see what an enormous difference they’re making. When children, mentors, and schools do better, communities do better too.

We are always recruiting new mentors, and this is the time when we are especially looking for folks for the fall. Check out our website, everybodywinsvermont.org, and consider signing up to read with a child if we have a school near you. And don’t hesitate to call or email if you have any questions about mentoring or about Everybody Wins! Vermont. We love talking with people about what we do.

Every August the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont draws as many as 800 hikers, bikers, and runners from across the U.S. and Canada to climb Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The course climbs up the historic Mansfield Toll Road, is 4.3 miles in length, and climbs 2564 ft. For some it’s all about trying to achieve a fast time up this tough 4.3 mile course. For others… they come to test themselves, and to enjoy the spectacular views.

No matter why you came, for everyone the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont is about supporting the Catamount Trail Association and all of the good work they do. This event is their largest fundraising event of the year. So, while you’re out there challenging yourself, know that 100% of the money raised at this event goes to support the Catamount Trail and backcountry skiing and riding here in Vermont!

Haven’t registered yet? What are YOU waiting for, the race is only 21 days away! Get yourself registered for the race at www.rtttovt.com.

During my tenure here at the CTA I’ve learned that many of our CTA supporters put a fair amount of importance on the following things :

-Skiing and the Catamount Trail (obviously)-Power tools-Tearing things apart….and on the other side of the coin, building things-Good times with like-minded people-Free food! (obviously)

If even two of these generalizations ring true for you, then there is no reason you shouldn’t join us at our trail work weekend on August 13-14! We are partnering with the Stowe Mountain Bike Club, another amazing local organization, to tackle a shared multi-use section of the Catamount Trail in the Sterling Valley that is in need of some new bridges. Volunteers have been busily staging lumber along the trail so we can get to work replacing 8 bridges on the 13th. After a full workday on Saturday from 9:00am to 2:30pm, join us as we kick back with a barbecue and a well deserved cold one. Volunteers are welcome to make a weekend of it and camp out. Sunday will likely be a shorter day devoted to putting any finishing touches on the bridges or clearing a nearby section of the Catamount Trail that has grown in.

To sign up and get more information, get in touch with Laura via email, outreach@catamounttrail.org, or give her a call at the office 802-864-5794.

This week’s Race to the top of Vermont Spotlight is on Kip Roberts. Kip is a regular on the Vermont mountain biking scene. He first participated in the Race to the Top bike category in 2009. Of the 5 years he’s raced, Kip has consistently been a top contender, pulling in 4th, 1st, 2nd, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes. How does he consistently crush the climb? I think his smiley #1 fan has a lot to do with it.

All smiles, Kip and his daughter represent with matching Onion River Sports caps.

CTA: What first got you involved in the Race to the Top of Vermont?KR: I don’t exactly recall why I signed up for the first race! Probably ’cause it seemed a little nuts. Our daughter was born just 7 or 8 days before my first race in 2009, so I suppose I was looking for some motivation to get out and ride hard when I had the chance. These days, I mostly race cyclocross in the fall and then a few gravel grinders throughout the year. Maybe a fat bike race or two in the winter.

CTA: What do you do to keep active in the winter months?KR: Backcountry skiing and fat biking.

CTA: What has been your most memorable moment from a RTTOVT race?KR: The first year I did it in 2009 was certainly kind of an eye-opener. I hadn’t realized before this that I had an affinity for climbing (by bike). On the upper sections of the race, I remember hugging the rock cliffs in the hopes of staying out of sight of the nearest competitor behind me, aided by the the thick fog that year. I surprised my well-wishers at the top and beat expectations, certainly my own. Cuddling my daughter after that race and every subsequent race has certainly been memorable. Other highlights have been racing with exceptional champions such as Jamey Driscoll and Leah Davidson, seeing young kids pushing their limits and finishing strong and especially giving Patrick Standen an cheer of encouragement as I passed him one year as he cranked his handcycle up the loose, steep final climbs. That was true suffering and perseverance. The view out the window on the drive home after the 2011 race of the crimson evening sky as Hurricane Irene approached was certainly surreal.

CTA: Why do you choose to run, bike, or do both at the race?KR: I must be a little touched in the head? Seems like I have kindred spirits!

CTA: Gear question…..what kind of bike will you have for the day of?KR: I’ve always amused myself with rather foolish gear choices, including racing a singlespeed three times (a dumpter-picked Specialized Hardrock from the mid-90s and a late-90s Merlin Ti 26er) and two Specialized Hardrock 69ers (29″wheel up front, 26″ in the rear) with cobbled 5-speed drivetrains. With all the superbikes out there these days, it’s nice to step back and remember that the engine has a lot more to do with the performance of a bike. Regarding riding a singlespeed, it’s just you versus the climb: you either have it or you don’t. I like that simplicity.

CTA: What is your best “life” advice, either advice you’d give others, or that someone has given you along the way?KR: Don’t give up. But if you do, make sure there’s cold beers in the cooler.

KR on the RTTTOVT: This is an incredible race to do at least once in you life! Such a neat climb and unique location. The only problem is that you might get hooked! Regarding the steepness of the route, I feel as though it’s really hard to grasp the sheer severity of it until you ride back down the Toll Road after the race. Dragging your brakes the whole time and choking on the smell of smoldering car brakes ahead of you, only then do you realize you’ve conquered something truly great.

Every August the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont draws as many as 800 hikers, bikers, and runners from across the U.S. and Canada to climb Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. The course climbs up the historic Mansfield Toll Road, is 4.3 miles in length, and climbs 2564 ft. For some it’s all about trying to achieve a fast time up this tough 4.3 mile course. For others… they come to test themselves, and to enjoy the spectacular views.

No matter why you came, for everyone the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont is about supporting the Catamount Trail Association and all of the good work they do. This event is their largest fundraising event of the year. So, while you’re out there challenging yourself, know that 100% of the money raised at this event goes to support the Catamount Trail and backcountry skiing and riding here in Vermont!

Hurry, registration prices will jump another $10 on August 1st! What are YOU waiting for? Get yourself registered for the race at www.rtttovt.com.

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Ski the length of Vermont

At 300 miles in length the Catamount Trail is one of Vermont’s most treasured gems. Conceived in 1984 and fully linked together in 2008, thousands of skiers and snowshoers take to the trail every season. Be sure to check out our winter tours and special events held throughout the year.